On Golden Pond

This is the love story of Ethel and Norman Thayer, who are returning to their summer home on Golden Pond for the forty-eighth year. He is a retired professor, nearing eighty, with heart palpitations and a failing memory-but still as tart-tongued, observant and eager for life as ever. Ethel, ten years younger, and the perfect foil for Norman, delights in all the small things that have enriched and continue to enrich their long life together.

Norman, whose memory isnít what it once was, is about to turn eighty and seems preoccupied, albeit humorously, with the prospect of dying. And, he's looking through the classified ads in the local paper in search of a job.

Then a letter arrives from the Thayers' divorced daughter Chelsea, announcing that she is coming for a visit with her new boyfriend, Bill. When they arrive they have Bill's son Billy with them. Somewhat reluctantly, Normal and Ethel agree to have Billy stay with them while Chelsea and Bill are in Europe.

"Thompson's 25-year-old play seems as fresh as a breeze on the lake, probably because the old verities about fishing, city boys, dentists, pre-marital sex, the Red Sox and the frailties of old age don't change much."

- New York TheatreGuide

During the summer Norman and Billy form a close relationship. When Chelsea returns she and her parents discuss their relationship, which has been distant for some time, and agree to see more of each other. Norman is still doubtful when Chelsea and Bill invite them to California, but his fondness for Billy wins out.

On Golden Pond opened Off Off Broadway in 1978, then moved to the Apollo Theatre on Broadway in February 1979. It played there for more than 400 performances, and went on to become a successful film in 1981.

Ernest Thompson

Ernest Thompson was born in Vermont in 1949. On Golden Pond was his first play, written at the age of 28.

He also wrote the play West Side Waltz, as well as the screenplay for the film Sweet Hearts Dance, the television film Take Me Home Again and a group of 12 short plays called The Penis Responds.

He has also acted both on stage and on television, and directed. His directing credits include a 1995 television version of On Golden Pond.

Thompson now lives most of the year in New Hampshire near the site where the movie On Golden Pond was filmed.

Admission
$20 (plus Grand Theatre surcharge). Tickets available through the Grand Theatre Box Office, 530-2050 and online, until 2 p.m. on day of performance,
and at the door (cash, debit, Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay or Android Pay) on performance nights when available. Seniors and members
$16 at the door on Thursdays only. Children and students $10.